critter-proof latches????

Went to Home Despot today and bought $50 worth of hinges and latches. (sigh....) I feel good about the hasps and bolt latches I got, but I didn't know what clasps to put on them to keep out the coons. My 8 year old was in favor of the Master Lock route, but that seemed excessive. (can't you see raccoons in full-on cat burglar gear with their safe-cracking paraphernalia?) I was thinking the spring -loaded snap clips, like you find on dog leashes, but I wanted to run it past you experts before buying them.

p.s. upon check-out, the clerk asked if I had a Home Depot card. When I said no, my son chimed in with "You should, Mom. You're here all the time!" The guy behind me in line just laughed, and the clerk offered him a job.

p.p.s. Also went to the Habitat for Humanity Restore and bought 5 vents, a baggie of nails, and a bunch of knobs and handles for $13, so I'm not entirely un-thrifty.

I would be afraid that a racoon could get those open. They are way too smart and dexterious. Had one open the sliding window on my pickup one time. Padlock might be the best idea, from the mouths of babes. They alreaady have the mask for the bugular outfit, hope they don't carry a lock pick set or bolt cutters.

Oooh! I gotta look for those "letter locks!"' Aside from the fact that raccoons probably can't spell, my son needs some extra help with reading. A little incentive!

Bungee cords have promise, too. Our hand-me-down rabbit has a hutch with a lift-up roof, and we keep it hooked down with a bungee cord. No one has gotten her yet, despite the fact that the neighbors lost a rabbit to a predator last fall.

I'm getting a mental image of what my coop will look like....locks with my son's spelling words for combinations, snap clips hung around like Christmas lights, and the whole thing wrapped in hardware cloth and bungee cords. As long as it leaves the raccoons cursing in frustration, I'll take it!